Category: Downtown

Pulaski highlights “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit

June 29, 2016

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Service program, Museums on Main Street, brings exhibits to small towns across America. The most recent exhibit, “The Way We Worked,” showcases various working environments of American citizens, within the United States. This exhibit highlights the journey, struggle and triumph of the American workforce. One of Virginia Main Street’s Commercial District Affiliate partners, … More Pulaski highlights “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit

Staunton Has a Story to Tell: Celebrating 20 years of Main Street

June 24, 2016

How would your Main Street organization celebrate years of making downtown a social and investment hub? As a kick-off to their 20-year anniversary, the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) hosted “Staunton Stories,” a one-day event to celebrate and document the people that make downtown Staunton a dynamic and diverse community. The event was held at … More Staunton Has a Story to Tell: Celebrating 20 years of Main Street

Hello from Milwaukee: Main Street Now Conference this week

May 23, 2016

Beginning May 23-25, Virginia Main Street (VMS) staff and more than 25 staff and volunteers from the VMS designated communities are in downtown Milwaukee for Main Street Now, the National Main Street Center conference. Main Street Now is the largest nationwide gathering of commercial district revitalization professionals and community leaders in the nation. This year, the conference will bring together more … More Hello from Milwaukee: Main Street Now Conference this week

Community-based Inspiration: Jane Jacobs’ 100th Birthday

May 11, 2016

Who was that charming lady on the Google search page? Wednesday, May 4, 2016, marked 100 years since the birth of Jane Jacobs.  Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urban writer and activist who championed new, community-based approaches to planning for more than 40 years.  She loved cities and, while she never studied urban planning, Jacobs considered … More Community-based Inspiration: Jane Jacobs’ 100th Birthday

Farmville Downtown Partnership Awards $5000 At SOUP Event

May 2, 2016

Often times, it doesn’t take a lot of funding to spark community energy. Read about Farmville Downtown Partnership‘s SOUP event and become inspired to host your own similar event. Guest blogger, John Burton, executive director for the Farmville Downtown Partnership, describes how this inaugural event was very successful for the small community. Good community, good music … More Farmville Downtown Partnership Awards $5000 At SOUP Event

Virginia Main Street Grant Opportunities

April 25, 2016

Virginia Main Street is currently accepting grant applications for FY 2017. Grants are available only to designated VMS communities and must be administered through the designated local VMS organization. Downtown Investment Grants (DIGs) allow Main Street organizations to take on unique, one-time projects that measurably, creatively and sustainably advance the organization’s goals and strategies. FY … More Virginia Main Street Grant Opportunities

Check out some great spring festivals in Virginia Main Streets

April 15, 2016

Spring has sprung! Are you ready to shake off the winter blues and enjoy downtown? Check out some of the exciting downtown festivals happening in a Main Street community near you: Winchester: Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival – April 22-May 1 Culpeper: Gnarly Hops and Barley Fest – April 30 Harrisonburg: Rocktown Beer and Music Festival – April 30 … More Check out some great spring festivals in Virginia Main Streets